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An Illustration of a Parlor Palm with leaves against a light green background. The vibrant leaves convey a fresh, natural, and calming tone.

Parlor Palm

SCENTIFIC NAME: Chamaedorea elegans

KNOWN AS: Neanthe Bella Palm, Victorian Palm, Good Luck Palm

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Central America | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This feathery palm is very elegant. It is usually grown in bundles or clumps. Even a small specimen will look good. More mature specimens are perfect for anchoring any space with their tall fronds.

Easy difficulty & pet safe

Parlor Palm Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Parlor palm plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light conditions. They are sensitive to direct sunlight, which can cause their leaves to burn. Therefore, it is best to place them in a location where they can receive filtered or diffused light, such as near a north or east-facing window. Artificial light sources such as LED lights can also provide sufficient light for parlor palms. It is important to note that insufficient light can cause the plant to grow leggy and weak, while too much light can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.

Lighting Recommendations

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings. This plant prefers distilled water.

The parlor palm likes soil that is continuously damp but not soggy. When the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch, properly water the plant. Make sure to use room temperature water and let any extra to drip out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid allowing the plant to stand in water that is still because this might lead to root rot. Reduce watering throughout the winter months when the plant is dormant, but don't let the soil get completely dry. If at all possible, use purified or filtered water because the parlor palm is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. In general, maintaining continually wet soil is crucial for a healthy and flourishing parlor palm.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

Parlor palms do best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C), with the best range being between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C). These plants can survive in cooler temperatures, but if they are out in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for a long time, they may get hurt. Don't put the plant near drafty places like air conditioning or heating vents, since they like temperatures that stay the same.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Parlor palms do best in places that have 50–60% humidity. Use a humidifier to keep humidity levels stable, especially in dry climates or during the winter when heating indoors can dry out the air. The humidity around your parlor palm can be raised by putting water in a pebble tray. Put the plant on top of a tray with water and pebbles. When the water evaporates, it will make the air around the plant more humid. By spraying water on the leaves of your parlor palm, you can raise the humidity and keep the leaves clean. Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves often, but don't do it too much because too much water can cause mold to grow. Dry air can hurt your parlor palm, and drafts and air conditioning can cause it. Keep the plant out of the wind and away from air conditioning vents.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
The parlor palm can grow by splitting into new plants. To spread a plant through division, carefully take it out of its pot and gently break up the root ball, making sure that each piece has healthy roots and leaves. Put each piece of the plant into a new pot with potting soil that drains well and keep the soil moist while the new plant grows roots. It's important to keep in mind that parlor palm grows slowly, so it may take a while for the new plant to get big. Also, it's important not to overwater because parlor palm can't handle soil that's too wet.
Toxicity
Parlor palms are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, and do not contain any known toxic compounds that pose a significant risk if ingested or touched. This makes it a safe choice for households with pets or small children.However, while the plant itself is non-toxic, it's important to note that individual sensitivities or allergies can vary. Some individuals may still experience mild reactions if they come into contact with the plant. If you or your pet have a known allergy or sensitivity to plants, it's advisable to exercise caution and monitor for any adverse reactions. Additionally, while the parlor palm is generally safe, it's always a good practice to discourage pets from chewing on any houseplant. Ingesting large amounts of any plant material can cause digestive upset in animals.
Repotting
Parlor palms like it when their roots are a little crowded, so they don't need to be repotted very often. But if the plant is struggling to grow or the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, it may be time to repot. When a parlor palm is actively growing, in spring or early summer, is the best time to move it to a new pot. Choose a pot that is one size bigger and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the new pot with potting mix that drains well and leave enough room at the top for the root ball. Gently take the plant out of its pot and loosen any roots that are tangled. Place the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil around the root ball. To help the plant get used to its new environment, give it a lot of water and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days.
Pruning
To prune a parlor palm, use clean, sharp pruning shears and cut off any yellow or brown leaves as well as any fronds that have died. It is important to cut cleanly and not hurt the tissue around the cut. Also, Parlor palms can get very tall and straggly over time. Regular pruning can help keep them in a nicer, more compact shape. To do this, cut the top of the stem just above a healthy frond. This will encourage branching and make the plant grow in a fuller way. Parlor palms also need to be repotted and fertilized from time to time to stay healthy and strong. You can prune the plant whenever you need to, but don't prune it in the winter when the plant is sleeping. With the right pruning, Parlor palms can keep their good looks and keep growing for many years.
Fertilizing
To feed a parlor palm plant, first choose a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Before you put the fertilizer on the plant, you should water it well and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant's base with a watering can or spray bottle, being careful not to get any on the leaves. During the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, do this every two to four weeks. Don't give the plant fertilizer when it's sleeping in the winter. Too much fertilizer can hurt the plant, so it's important to follow the directions on the package and not use too much.
Soil
Parlor palms do best in soil that drains well and has a lot of organic matter, like peat moss or coconut coir. You can also use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. It's important that the soil isn't too heavy or packed down, because that can cause problems with drainage and root rot. Parlor palms do best in soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Don't use soil mixes that have a lot of fertilizers or salts in them, as this can hurt the roots of the plant. It's also best to move parlor palms every two years to give the soil a fresh start and help the plants grow well.

Hanging Heights

Parlor Palm Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Parlor Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Parlor Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Parlor Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Parlor Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Parlor Palm

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Soltech's Recommendation:

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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